Over a month has passed in the blink of an eye. During this period, Practitioner Su has endured immense physical pain and injury, far beyond what any outsider could comprehend. This suffering is not merely the superficial damage to the skin that the fourfold assembly might observe; it is a profound, internal struggle that we, the protectors, are acutely aware of. When Practitioner Su shouted to halt us, we were left speechless, kneeling in shame. We felt deeply humbled because we had failed to protect him adequately, allowing him to suffer so greatly. Sentient beings, trapped in their own inescapable suffering, often enter of Practitioner Su, or they are drawn to the light radiating from him, hoping to find a way to leave suffering behind. Everything that occurs is rooted in the immense suffering of these beings.
The Illusion of Fate and the Cycle of Rebirth
Suffering and the cycle of rebirth are the true realities of this world. Suffering is an inseparable link within the chain of samsara. Within the destiny of reincarnation, it is often arranged that you will suffer in this life, and so you follow that path, living a life filled with sorrow. Conversely, if your destiny is arranged to be one of wealth and ease, you will indeed live without suffering. In both cases, one is truly unable to take charge of one's own life. Since time immemorial, countless beings have lived life after life in this exact manner.
The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, out of their boundless compassion, see the confusion of sentient beings. They continuously manifest in this world to demonstrate the process of growth and . They teach us that all these experiences are merely illusions. They urge us not to be led astray by these painful illusions, but to find our original, pure, and free selves—that is the only true reality. However, sentient beings are often too deeply lost in confusion and have been trapped in the cycle of rebirth for too long. It is difficult for them to be subdued, to be receptive to the teachings, to leave suffering behind, and to receive the benefits of the Dharma.
The Living Example of Awakening
It is said that being born before or after the time of a Buddha is one of the eight difficulties. Today, everyone has the rare opportunity to encounter the teachings of the Buddha. This is an extraordinary event that is incredibly difficult to find. You have the chance to understand the true nature of suffering. By putting in the work from within your own heart, you can use your heart to drive the process of leaving suffering behind. Even if your body is obstructed by various forms of suffering, your heart can still remain clear and autonomous, not led by physical pain. Only in this way can you rediscover your true self and break free from the shackles of the cycle of rebirth.
Practitioner Su not only teaches us this through his words, but he also embodies it through his conduct. He is not hindered by the suffering he takes on behalf of sentient beings. He never reduces the number of his morning sessions for , nor does he lessen his commitment to saving beings and helping them leave suffering behind. He is constantly busy, lecturing and teaching, with every single second dedicated to the welfare of sentient beings. He thinks only of them. Such conduct fills us with deep respect. Regardless of the circumstances, the physical body has its limits. Recently, many beings who had been residing within him for a long time were invited out, allowing his head and body to feel much clearer. This is the state that Practitioner Su should naturally possess. With his sensitive and refined body, he can perceive even the slightest changes. This is the result of a body that has been purified and brightened through the practice of Awakening.
A Rare Opportunity for the Fourfold Assembly
If everyone can follow the words of Practitioner Su, you too can attain the same level of skill, compassion, and mind-capacity that he possesses. If the world could have just one more, or even several more, saviours like Practitioner Su, then this world would truly have hope. Every member of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre and every virtuous practitioner has this very opportunity. is truly present here, the Teacher is here, Practitioner Su is here, and we, the Dharma protectors including Skanda , are here to guard this place. In such a magnificent environment, everyone should be even more active and persistent in their practice. You have a greater opportunity than practitioners outside to rediscover your true self. This opportunity is as rare as the Udumbara flower; it is truly difficult to encounter, and you must grasp it firmly.
The Path to Liberation
Within the body of Practitioner Su, the work of inviting beings out from his head, back, and various parts of his body continues. For those beings currently within his body, there is always an opportunity to enter the Western Land of Dharma Nature and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. With the beginning today and continuing for three days, these beings must hurry to depart and seize this magnificent opportunity. Namo Amituofo.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
